THE BUSINESS OF THE GOSPEL

In the Book of Luke we find the powerful story (and a vivid reminder to what we are to be) of Jesus at age 12 in the temple teaching the teachers. By my count Joseph and Mary had missed Jesus for five days. A one day walk from Jerusalem and another day back to Jerusalem, then three days of looking for Him in Jerusalem. Then on the third day in Jerusalem they find Jesus calmly talking with the teachers, “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (Luke 2:47-48) While living in Stuttgart Karen purchased a wonderful very old huge painting we got from a Catholic Rectory in Wurzburg, Germany that captures this scene perfectly. The painting is so good you can imagine (from the faces and bodies on the painting) the teachers in great amazement, their eyes are widened, their hands are stroking their beards, and some have tilted their heads, but the greatest expression of amazement is the satisfied look on all of their faces. But not only were the teachers amazed, but the Bible says in verse 48, “when they (Joseph and Mary) saw him, they were amazed:” I do not know about you, but if I would have lost my child for five days I think I would have been more than amazed. It looks like Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father) and Mary were almost in tears and exhausted when they finally found Him. I am sure their emotions ran the complete gambit of fear, sadness, loss, and all the rest emotions we feel at times like these. I remember one Wednesday night my parents forgot me at church and raced back to find me asleep on the pew where they left me. But instead of saying dad and mom I love and missed you all so much or thanks for loving me enough to come back for me Jesus says, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:49-50) Not only did Joseph and Mary not understand what Jesus was saying, but the teachers, the transcriber of the KJV (from Greek to Latin), and most Christians in the church of today did not understand what Jesus at age 12 was saying. If you look at the Greek version of the Bible you will not find the word, “business” it does not appear in Luke 2:49, the verse ends with the word “Father.” The word “business” was added during translation to complete the thought and to make sense. If you look at any Bible program that uses Strong’s numbering system you will find the word “business” and “Father” is the same Strong’s word #3962. Unfortunately, it was added to finish a thought that Jesus was not making and has blurred our thinking from a very vital principle we must understand and adopt into our every day life. If Jesus was talking about His father’s business Jesus would have been talking with carpenters since Joseph was a carpenter. When we read the Scriptures we must pay very close attention to capital letters and pronouns. These little letters make a big difference between talking about THE God or a god. Also please know some Bible translations do not capitalize, please take heed my friend to what Bible you use. I have always found the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible to be the best for teaching and studying; Strong’s numbering system and other study tools is based on the KJV and the relationship between the Greek and KJV to me seem to be more compatible and complete. Today I carry the New King James Version, not because it is better, but because my Mother gave it to me in 1994. Now please notice the Holy Spirit used the word “Father” not “father,” big “F” which means the Bible is talking about Jesus’ Heavenly Father and not His earthly father. We Americans must learn again as most of the world already knows words do matter and so do letters. We seem to say what we think and if wrong oh well no problem, well my friend the rest of the world does not see things the same way as us Americans. Over the years God has taught me to measure my words with regards to promising to do things for people. God has taught me to take heed when I speak with people in authority. Minding my words during a border crossing could be the difference between passing on in peace or spending some time in jail. Now Jesus was not even talking about being about His “Father’s” business. Oh no, Jesus was talking about something more important and something more critical for us to understand and become. Remember, our wondrous walk with the Lord is not about working and doing, but is about becoming. In verse 49, Jesus said, “ . . . I must be about my Father.” (Luke 2:49 (Greek)) or I must be about becoming something and not about doing or working. Jesus was not talking about working He was talking about becoming like something. So too in our lives we must be about becoming something in God. And what we must be about becoming is the same thing Jesus desired to be about becoming like, His Father. Jesus was saying, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father? Jesus was saying He must be about becoming like His Father. All of His earthly existence this was His one and only desire; to look and act like His Father. Everything Jesus did was to look like His Father. Jesus only said and did the things His Father told Him to say and do. What a perfect expression of the Father (like Jesus) when we too say and do only the things the Father tells us to say and do. Jesus and the Father were so complete in this unity of purpose around 20 years later Jesus gladly proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:6-10) The disciples still did not understand was Jesus was saying just like His parents when Jesus was 12 years old, “And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:50)

Jesus, the Son of Man, did not come to start a business, He came to seek and save (Luke 19:10) that which is lost. Jesus came so that we could have the life of God (John 10:10) not so that we can open Christian Book Stores that sell everything from Bibles to furniture to stickers, costume jewelry, candy bars, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message? Why Christian singers have their own awards program on TV. One is called the Dove Awards and the statue represents the precious Holy Spirit. How could we stoop so low to insult and grieve the Holy Spirit so? Is this the best the church can do with the Holy Spirit? They act and look like the world and suffer from the same drug problems as worldly singers do, maybe they are still of the world? Like the world they have amassed millions of dollars living in big fancy houses just like the Christian TV celebrities. TV religion is a multi-billion dollar a year business. Just watch the TV celebrities on TBN and the rest of the Christian programming around the world selling their DVDs, CDs, Bibles with their names on it, latest self-help book, or their special offer of the month. And if you know the right spin doctor (who knows how to manipulate people, the key) big and even local churches can get involved in a piece of the action. What have we done to the Gospel message? My friend the Gospel is not for sale. Jesus paid dearly for the Gospel message, He paid with His life. With each drop of His blood, His sweat, and His tears Jesus paid for our salvation. And now we are selling the Gospel message as fast as we can print Bibles and make DVDs, CDs, toys, robes, license plates, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message?

The Bibles warns us, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23) Now the word “Buy” in this verse has nothing to do with our concept of merchandizing for a profit, but is Strong’s #7069, to get, acquire, create, or possess. For example: of God originating, creating, redeeming His people or of acquiring knowledge, wisdom. And the word “sell” is Strong’s #4376, to sell for earthly profit or to sell for money. Here in this verse the Bible is telling us NOT to sell truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It is the same concept we see in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) Here “therefore get” is Strong’s #7069, the same word for “Buy” in Proverbs 23:23.

My friend Jesus did not come to feed people and make sure everybody has a full belly and something to drink. As much as we would like to think that because that is all we hear from the pulpits today that is not true. Jesus did not come to address the political and social issues of the day. Jesus never got involved with the hot button issues of the day like slavery, genocide, maltreatment of women, killing babies still in the womb, and the rule of the government over the people. I guess it is true “ . . . there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Jesus did not come to make us all happy, rich, or famous. For the truth to be known the Father is not really as concerned about our happiness as much as we think He is. God’s number one concern in our lives is for us to allow Him to conform us into the image (icon) of His precious and wonderful Son Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come to take us all to heaven some day. The Bible says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) I wonder what all of those Christians who are into heaven are going to do when heaven passes away? Now please do not worry I am planning on going to heaven and I hope I see you there, but I am not into heaven my friend I am into Him, Jesus the word (John 1:1) of life that “shall not pass away.”

My friend we must be (like Jesus even at age 12) about being like our Heavenly Father. We must (like Jesus) be able to become the expressed image of the Father by speaking only those things the Father tells us to say. By doing only the things the Father tells us to do. This is God’s intention and desire for our lives. This was Jesus’ prayer and hope for us, the church the Body of Christ, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” (John 17:21-22) We will never be able to be “one” (unity) with the Father as Jesus was. We will never be able to receive the glory the Father gave Jesus and now Jesus desires to give to us, if the “business” of the Gospel continues to take precedence in our heart and lives. “Buy the truth, and sell it not;” if you desire the life of God. Written by David Stahl

WE HAVE THE POWER

Today in the church we run around the world saying we have the power and we can do all of these great things for God. Well that is not what Jesus said. In the Gospels time and time again Jesus kept saying I have no power and I can do nothing of myself. I wonder why Jesus who was the Son of God, who did have all power in heaven, on earth, and below the earth say, He did not have any power? We run around quoting scriptures like, ”But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) or ”Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20), and so many more often trying to convince ourselves we have the power, but in reality we are powerless. Our words and actions lack the power of God because today we have missed the heart of Jesus’ power source. Paul confidently knew his power sources when he boldly told the church at Thessalonica, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5) Paul knew his words were energized by the Holy Spirit of God Almighty, this is why things happened when he spoke. This is why Paul could receive so much of God’s revelation to write almost two-thirds of the New Testament and why God had to temper him with a thorn in the flesh so that he would not exalt himself. My friend God honors His words and if we endure God’s dealings and judgments (like Paul) in our lives we too can have the revelation Paul had. God did not love Paul any more than He does us. God is not a respecter of persons, but He does honor and highly exalt those who honor Him and delights in giving His children, those who desire Him, His hidden treasures and the secrets things.

Now do not think being powerless is totally a bad thing it is not. Thinking we have the power and not having it is presumption a very dangerous place in God. But, understanding our need for God and seeing we are powerless is really a good thing; if we learn, through experiencing God’s dealings and judgments in our lives, where our power really comes from. Jesus knew He was powerless and now could do all things. Nothing was impossible for Him, because He was powerless. Strange how things happen when we see we can do nothing to change the situations or circumstances in our lives. The Father knew the Son and could trust Him with His power. (Please allow this thought to sink in for a moment) Why do we not move in the power of God? Maybe the Father knows some all to well not to trust them with His power. Remember just because something is written in the Bible does not make it ours. We claim and stand on verses in the Bible, but our hands and lives are empty, why? God does not give us His things just because we ask, oh no. Any earthly loving father does not give his children things just because they ask. They must do the things the father wants the children to do before they receive. If a father just gives to his children unconditionally he does not really love his children because he has not taught them about life and becoming a mature adult. Our salvation is unconditional, but still for us to be able to receive salvation we must do some things. “If we confess (agree what God is staying about us is true) our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9) And “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) For us to be saved we must confess and believe, but confession and believing is not enough, we must repent. Jesus taught, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: (or to flow in the opposite direction) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) If we do not confess our sins and repent of our actions and deeds we cannot be saved. So too with our heavenly Father there is an approval and qualifying process we must endure to be able to receive God’s things. My friend there is a price a cost we will pay to know God’s power. There is nothing free in God, everything we get from God will cost us something and the more we get from God the more it will cost us until finally there is nothing left of us. If we have no power God will have to strengthen us if He wants us to do something for Him. Yes, there is a price a cost we will pay to know God’s power. And there is a cost a different price we will pay to know God’s presence. And my friend if we desire to know God’s person it will cost us everything, but that is God’s goal in our lives, to get us to the place where we desire to decrease so He can increase. This will take the power of God in our lives to happen.

Jesus knew He had no power and could do nothing of Himself. There are three areas I would like to briefly look at that reveals the heart of Jesus in this area. The first area is Jesus never vindicated Himself. The word “vindicate” means; free from blame, guilt, suspicion, to show to be true or right; justify. Jesus was free from blame because He always did the will of the Father. It was not Jesus but the Father doing things through Him. Jesus tells us today, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19) and “I can of mine own self do nothing: (have no power of my own) as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30) It is no wonder Jesus did so many wonderful and mighty things for the Father (as the Father wants us to do) He knew He had no power and had to totally depend on the Father. The second area is Jesus never justified Himself. Even before Pilate He never made excuses for Himself nor did He threaten Pilate’s life, He just kept His mouth shut until it was time to speak words of life and represent His Father. “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28) Did you know when we justify ourselves before people we make them our judge? The Godly place is to keep our mouth in the dust until God tells us to speak and then only say what God wants us to say. Moses (and I also) learned this lesson the hard way. And the third area is Jesus never tried saving Himself. Jesus knew He was to die for the sin of mankind. This was His purpose and the Father’s plan for His earthly life. All of the miracles and the like came out from the goodness of the Father’s heart. Jesus knew He had to lose His life so that He and many (even us) could find real life, the life of God which is so much more than having our sins forgiven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me (into the death of our physical life and more important our selfish self-life); and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:24-26)

The secret of Jesus’ power and success was not He was the Son of God oh no my friend. Please do not think because the Father was well pleased of the Son (Matthew 3:17) He gave to the Son all power and authority. The Bible is very clear why the Father gave the Son all power and authority, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:7-9) Jesus’ secret of His success was His ability to humble himself and become obedient. He “made himself of no reputation,” A man who knows he has no power will never have problems with humbleness. Jesus was never concerned what other people thought and said about Him. Jesus was only concerned what the Father thought and said about Him. We (I include myself here) today need to be more concerned about what the Father thinks and says about us than what our friends think and say about us. We will not be concerned about what others think and say if we can maintain a servant’s heart like Jesus. It was easy for the Father to give Jesus His goods, Jesus always did and said what the Father wanted Him to do and say. Jesus taught the disciples, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” (Matthew 25:14) I wonder where Jesus learned “who called his own servant and delivered unto them his goods.” Jesus was the servant and it was His Father’s goods He received, because Jesus knew two important thoughts in being a servant; a servant carries only his master’s message and a servant acts within His master’s authority. If we desire to be a servant of God we too must keep these two thoughts. Too many Christians today travel the world carrying their own message and acting within their own authority. I have seen it, worse yet I have done it at times. Please believe me when I say I know what I am talking about. We must carry only the simplistic message of the Bible in our hearts and share it with people and must act only in the authority God has given us. Remember, the sign of God’s authority is not miracles, sign, and wonders, but revelation. How much revelation do we possess of God? The answer will define how much of God’s power we possess.

Brethren let us confess our sins and repent of our waywardness. We have no power, unless like Jesus the Father gives it to us, and are dependant on Him, our family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ for all things. This dependence always leads to God projection of devotion. Let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, take on only His message and move only in His authority, for if we do we will have the power. Written by David Stahl.

ADDING TO OUR FAITH

One of the most important understandings we must hold before the Lord, if God is going to be able to use, is how He operates in our lives through the knowledge of faith. Our entire walk with God is done in faith until we allow Him to work sufficiently in our lives to open the eyes of our understanding to be able to see the invisible. Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:17-18) Paul was not telling the Christians in Ephesus to desire wisdom and knowledge, but for us to allow God to “give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” Faith in our lives will not work if we do not have a desire for “the knowledge of him.” It is no wonder many Christians start off in God, but flutter and quickly fade away because they were never instructed to desire to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. They were instructed to know Him as their savior, supplier, and healer, but not as their Lord and ruler of their lives. Unless we possess the knowledge of God we will never be able to move correctly in faith. This is why “faith cometh by hearing a word from God.” (Romans 10:17 (Greek)) Hearing what? Preaching? The Bible on tape CD, or DVD? No none of these my friend will work, but hearing God speak to our spirit gives us all of the faith we will ever need. It really is sad most denominations do not teach the importance of knowing God. Most denominations teach knowing denominational doctrines, rules, and regulation of which membership is the entry door. There are even special classes you must attend to be a “member” of their churches. And annually they have special meetings to discus and vote on their ideas and rules. No election of man’s rules and regulations has ever changed God’s ways. How foolish and sad to think we can dumb down God’s words and ways to classes, rules, and regulations to belong. Recently I was reading an article that stressed the importance of getting back to or re-identifying with what it really means to belong to be a member of a certain denomination. The folly of the author was easily seen every time he mentioned the denomination instead of the Body of Christ. He stated we must get back to what is means to be a _________ (you can plug in your favorite denomination in the blank) because our attendance and membership is dropping off. If you believe this drivel my friend you have missed the truth of the word of God and the heart of Christ. Do we honesty believe heaven will be divided by denominations like the Body of Christ is on earth? It is like we are saying to the world there are many ways to the Father. There is a Pentecostal, a Methodist, a Baptist, a Presbyterian, a Catholic, a Lutheran, and many more ways to get to the Father. Just like the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and many more religions believe. But the Bible (John 14:6) says, Jesus is the only way (not a religion or denomination) to the Father. Jesus is the truth and life no one comes unto the Father except through Him. Jesus came so that we may have life, the life of God. This wrong earthly thinking is nothing more than presumption and at the root of the presumption is evil envy and subtle hatred and wrath.

Our walk with the Lord must be out of a broken and contrite heart in faith not by sight. The writer of the Hebrews tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We cannot please God, no matter how much we do or give Him. Pleasing God is found in believing in Him, now that is a real revelation for many Christians who have been told pleasing God is found in working and going places for Him. How can God reward us if we do not believe in Him? Even God’s “exceeding great precious promises” for us are based solely on us having faith and believing in Him so that we will be able to possess the knowledge of Him. Of all the disciples, Peter seemed (not Thomas) to struggle (often like me) with this whole faith issue. While walking with the Lord he was the first to speak the loudest (often like me), but was the last to admit he was wrong. But after God’s dealings and judgments in Peter’s life he was able to write these words, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) I wonder where Peter learned these words? Each time he boasted what he would do, but when it was all said and done saw what he really was made of. After Peter allowed God to work in his life he could see the critical need to know God. Our call is unto “glory and virtue” (strength or manhood) through knowing Him, then and only then can we hold those “exceeding great and precious promises” and “be partakers of the divine nature” so that we will be able to, “escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” My friend we will never be able to escape the corruption of this world unless we know the Lord. My friend going to church and entering into membership will not do it, being good will not do it, burning our bodies and suffering will not do, only knowing God through His precious Son Jesus Christ will do it.

But now Peter does not stop there, oh no Peter continues and says, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8) “And besides this,” Besides what? All of the things he has previously said in the scriptures and now sets up the condition “giving all diligence” for the command to “add to your faith.” Wow, we must add something to our faith? Pastor Dave, are you telling me faith is not enough? No I am not saying that. Remember, we have no faith unless we can hear God speak to us, again, “faith cometh by hearing a word from God.” When God speaks to us everything we need to do that which God wants us to do is present (inherent in the structure) in His words to us. All of the provision, all of the ability, all of the wisdom and revelation, everything we will need to do that which God desires in His speaking is in the words. This is why all things are possible to them that believe which is always God’s intention and desire in His speaking. However, all things coming to pass is not up to God (He has already done His part), but is up to us. Like the leper in Mark 1:40-42, will we move in obedience (the sign of really loving God) after we hear His words to do that which God wants? The leper knew Jesus could make him clean, he probably heard and saw many miracles, but he wanted to know if Jesus would make him clean. What I am saying is when we hear God speak to us we must know His heart and add to our faith some things that will enable God’s words (which contains His power, provision, and authority) to come alive in us. I wonder when Peter learned his faith was not enough? Perhaps every time he failed Jesus. I wonder when Peter learned the things in verses 5-8 needed to be added to his faith? Every time he allowed the Father, through His dealings and judgments, to work in his life enabling him to be able to receive God’s “exceeding great and precious promises.” Such things as, “virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). 8For if these things be in you, and abound (grow or multiply), they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Brethren let us allow God to work so that these things can be produced in us, abound, and can be added to our faith. They are not apart of our new nature from our 1 John 1:9 salvation, they must be worked in us. And please notice the condition, “if these things be in us and abound” the reward “they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful (not in these things or faith but) in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is always about knowing God, through His precious Son Jesus Christ, which is the essence and heart of our salvation. Written by David Stahl

LET GO OF THE PAST

Well, here we are looking at another move ahead. This one seems more of an emotional crisis than the others in the past I do not know why. We are a Navy family and use to move every three or so years. Maybe I am getting older and the older we get the more we resist change and let me tell you moving is change. This time we are planning to move into something much smaller. Our kids are grown and seldom do they all come home with their kids at the same time so we have painfully realized we do not need a four bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom, 2,300 square foot home with all the bells and whistles. And we have realized we have some cleaning out to do and its always so hard. I said it before and I will say it again; if I had my druthers we would have a sit-down family meal with all the kids, their spouses, and their kids once a month, but we know that is not what will happen for now. God has bigger fish to fry and in accordance to His will we will just be grateful for the times we see our kids which is usually separate. What special memories we have with our kids growing up. Some of the stabilizing foundations in their lives has been God, family, and us taking them to church. One day Dave asked Daniel, after he left home for the U.S. Air Force, what he misses the most about leaving home. Dave was surprised when he said, “Bible Book.” All of the times we would have family devotion had a great impact on Daniel and the rest of our wonderful kids. Anyway, we surely do not like change and an uncertain future, yet God expects us to “buck-up” and trust Him in both. As we grow in Him He brings more and more restrictions and limitations into our lives to make us more conformable into the image of His precious Son Jesus. Our family is grown and gone, our circle of friends gets ever smaller and the years go by while we are restricted from doing what we what to do and where we want to go. The longer we go with God the narrower and narrower the way gets. Our way is not broad, but narrow and our obedience to Him in through the straight gate. Jesus taught us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) This “strait gate” this narrow way is an ever narrowing of things of this world in our lives until He can pull us away to a quiet place with Him. The longer we go with God the narrower and tougher things get. Approving and qualifying for the things of God takes center stage in our lives. This is the natural progression for the Saint who desires the things of God. Not so with those in the world who do not desire to know God and His ways. It is easy to see which way you are on; the broad way is crowded with people running to and fro for things and fame, even Christians running to do good works, but if we are running after the world we shall not be after Him. But the narrow way, although narrow, is easy walking, no real competition for space on the way. Remember the way that “leadeth unto life (not heaven) “few be that find it.” If we allow God He will take us to the place where we will be content living in a one bedroom apartment or trailer. As our kids grow older and are following God on their own some have moved further away so they too will learn to lean on God and their spouses as we have done. Now it is their time to get big houses and enlarge their families (their time is coming to get smaller) while it is our time to die daily to our wants and desires to see and be with them ever the more. I have really enjoyed the big ole houses, quite frankly God has really spoiled us. Our next house will be a little smaller and will meet our need, but at the same time screams, “the kids are not coming home so grow up and throw out some of that old junk.” Yes Lord. Growing up stinks, but how much it adds to our Christians character and witness (now and in heaven) as we follow God in the way He has chosen for each of us to go. Remember the best is yet to come. Written by Karen Stahl.

SETTING THINGS INTO MOTION

Some of the most puzzling and frightening verses in the Scriptures are found in the Book of Matthew. I do not know about you my friend, but these verses give me pause to how I am doing things for God. Remember it is not what we do for God that counts in the end, but how we do things. Do we do things for Him with the right heart condition and with the right motives and intentions? When we stand before God (saints and sinners alike) and are judged we will be judged not according to what we have done, but how we have done things. It is our motives and intentions that construct the framework for us to do things for God in. Even God’s will is not according to what we do, oh no. God’s framework of doing things within His will is based on our motives, our intentions, and even our attitudes. And if our attitudes, motives, and intentions are wrong so will the things we do for God. This is how the Christians in Matthew 7:21-23 did many wonderful works for God, but in the end God professed unto them, “I never knew you.” I do not know about you my friend, but these verses down right scare me. Jesus shares these words, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Please notice from the start the requirement for entering into the kingdom of heaven (not the kingdom of God which is a different kingdom) is doing the will of the Father, not singing in the choir, paying our tithes, serving as head deacon, or any of the hundreds of other religious church activities we saddle people with. Doing the Father’s will has nothing to do with doing things, but meeting the heart condition God requires of us. In the garden of Gethsemane which means; where oil is pressed, Jesus our example and pattern to model after said, “not my will, but thy will be done.” Jesus was not talking about going to the cross, but submitting in His heart to what the Father wanted for His life. God’s will is always about heart submission. This is why many Christians miss God’s will and run from person to person and conference to conference searching for the answer to God’s will for their lives. Sadly, they are looking for something to do, but God wants us to become something (not do something) in Him. Jesus was given all power in heaven and on earth by the Father, so going to the cross would not have really been difficult for Him if God had not first pressed His life out of Him in Gethsemane like a bushel of olives. If you really look at it critically our salvation was done in Gethsemane and Jesus endured the cross in obedience to the Father to fulfill scripture, “without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). This group of Christians who, “have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” did do these things, but these things are not requirements for entering the kingdom of heaven. But please notice these Christians did them any how and the Father replied, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23) The things done here for God was not done in an evil or malicious ways, but they were done in “iniquity” or in lawlessness, out side the laws, rules, regulations, or framework God has established things to be done. These Christians served God outside the framework He has established and so He did not know them. Unless we operate within God’s framework His will and intention cannot be done. They were not operating within God’s divine arrangements. Now some things were done and God even was glorified, but all that God desired in a given situation can never come to completion as He has planned because we have done them outside His framework of expectation. What loss have we incurred for ourselves and God by not operating within God’s framework? I shutter to think of the times I moved in my self-strength, in my will. Even then God was glorified and many people were saved and healed, but not all was done. Often when we pray we expect God to say yes or no to our prayers, but there is a third answer and it is not wait it is I have a better idea.

We know this understanding of the word “iniquity” is talking about a framework, because Jesus continues in Chapter seven of Matthew and starts talking about building, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27) In verses 24-27 Jesus is not talking about building a physical house, but is talking about building our spiritual tabernacle upon a rock; upon the correct cornerstone and framework. When the rains descended and the floods came, and the winds blew the builder who did not build on a rock, but on sand, “and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Again Jesus was not talking about a house, Jesus was talking about the builder having a great fall. My friend unless we build our lives and the things God wants to do through us well within the framework of God’s arrangements we to will experience a great fall (as the Christians in Matthew 7:23) “and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Our fall will be great not small, but great. It is one thing to miss it in God and fall, but how bad it is to miss it in God to where He would say, “and great was the fall of it” Sin is sin, but the higher we climb in God and if not careful the further we will fall. This is why it is best to stay in a low and humble place. You cannot get to hurt falling from your knees. The way is really down.

But now here is my main point in all of this. The Christians who did all of these wonderful things for God set some things into motion outside the framework of God and God even blessed them. The point is not God blessing something He did not originate, but the Christians set some things into motion. This thought really captivates my attention. We can set things into motion outside God’s will and intention and He will not stop us. Oh my God what a dangerous place to be in, setting things into motion outside God’s framework and arrangements. This area or place in God is called presumption or presuming to know what God wants, but in reality what we think God wants is wrong. I wish God would stop us when we get over in these areas, but God does not He allows us to continue to run at break-neck speed 500 miles down the road before He not so gently pulls back on the reins. The Christians here presumed they were doing what God wanted them to do, they even presumed they had a relationship and knew Him, but in reality they were wrong. I think it was not they did not know of God after all, they used His name to cast out demons, “and in thy name have cast out devils?” They knew of His power and His miracles, but they did not know Him. Presumption always gets us over into areas of good works, but always prevents us from knowing God the key to our relationship with Him. This is why the church does not really know God, oh they know of His power and ability, but there is no knowledge of Him nor is there a consistent message of knowing God taught from the pulpits. Common (which is the opposite of holiness) today the 15-20 minute message of love, grace, and God blessing us, right after a 40-45 minute sing-a-long, is heard every Sunday morning. Seldom on a Sunday night anymore is there preaching other activities fill the agenda, any how it is just too late for the kids who have school the next day. Well, in the Book of Acts Paul preached all night and look at the power they demonstrated to the world. Maybe now we see why the church of today is not impacting the world. Oh we are feeding and clothing millions (and feeling good about it), but we are not impacting their spiritual needs. I guess today’s denominational wisdom is; it is okay to let a man got to hell as long as they are dressed and have a full belly. This thinking is all presumption. We must move always from this type of thinking if we are going to be the salt and light of the world. Presumption always move in a direction that contrary to God’s framework and plans. Presumption always wants to go in an upward direction. But the Bible says Jesus is meek and lowly. Presumption wants to make a video or DVD touting its accomplishments telling the world how wonderful they are and how hard they are working for God. But God is not after all that grand showmanship. God’s greatest stars names are not up in lights or on a DVD. Presumption always goes up in one’s self-strength and ability. “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.” (Joshua 7:1-5) Please notice they were already in sin and kept going up away from where God is down. And please notice where they were going up to Bethaven. Bethaven is two names in the Hebrew text: “beth” or “house of” (Strong’s #1004) and “aven” or “wickedness” (Strong’s 205). Vanity is also tucked into the meaning. In the meaning of “Bethaven” there is always wickedness involved; rebellion and a walking contrary to the revelation of God in the vanity of one’s own mind. Whatever actions and causes are in the picture, physical or spiritual, it is leaving; one is on the way out. Bethaven is the door through which we leave. The children of Israel were over in great presumption and prime for a great fall like the many major denominations of today. They too set some things into motion outside the framework of God and God did not bless them this time. For this they paid dearly with loss of life. So too in our lives if we set things into motion and get over into presumption we will pay. Like with the children of Israel God may exact a heavy toll for our disobedience.

My friend let us not set things into motion with out really knowing God is behind them. Let us not get over into presumption and grandstanding what we have done for God. The way up is down. Take heed church of America we are heading for a “great fall.” It is not about us, but all about Him. The safe place in God is to keep our mouth in the dust, just like being on our knees when falling dust in our mouth will keep us quiet but filled. Written by David Stahl

I'LL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU PRAY FOR ME

Recently I have had the unpleasant misfortune of blasting an acquaintance over a few things and at the end of the conversation I heard the old familiar Christian parting shot, “I’ll pray for you.” Actually she said, “I’ll pray for you and you pray for me” before she slammed the phone down. I usually interpret this to mean:

1. I hope God will show you the error of your way.
2. I hope God will smite you.
3. I hope God will vindicate me because you hurt my feelings and besides you are wrong. Blah Blah Blah

Folks we have got to grow up! Saying, “I’ll pray for you” as a parting shot because your feathers have been ruffled is a sure sign of immaturity. And I do not care how old you are, how much you have traveled, preached, or gave for the Gospel. You are immature and you have not allowed God’s dealings and judgment to invade your heart and life. Besides, if you really wanted to pray for me couldn’t you pray without informing me? Of course, but then you would not be able to get the pound of flesh or self-centered recognition you are looking for. Prayer is serious business. Prayer is communion with God. God desires we commune with Him as we communicate from our spirit that is true prayer, not using prayer as a tool to manipulate someone. Prayer certainly is not whining to God because we got our feelings miffed or something to throw at people as a half-hearted gesture of self-righteousness. Oddly enough (but not surprising) knowing the fake Christian’s veneer, I have had this said to me more than once by older women who think they are more spiritual, but should have known better. As you can probably tell I am not impressed, nor am I intimidated by these ladies, and not sorry for what I have said to them that ruffled their “I am so holy” feathers. Friends, prayer is very very important. Let us not be flippant about it. Let us grow up and do some real praying so that we can commune with the Father. We must get over getting offended when we do not get our way or when someone we think is junior to us in God does not treat us as we think we should be treated. Life is too short. Written by Karen Stahl.

ME ME ME ME ME

One of the major lessons we all need to learn as Christians is: it is not about us, but it is about Jesus. I viewed a DVD recently about someone’s ministry and it was a real good plug for them and their ministry, but not much of a plug for Jesus. Friends, please it is not about where we go, what we have done, or the healings wrought by our hands. It is about Jesus! We need to get over our selves -- big time! It is not about doing, it is about becoming. It is about becoming the image and character of Jesus Christ who it is all about. It is not about “hey look what I did through my travels.” Now I will admit most times I did not want to travel, but Dave insisted and I was glad he did because time and time again we met true humble Christian men and woman who puts us Americans to shame. If we were one half as humble and contrite as these folks where indeed the kingdom of Heaven would be here on earth. If someone is sick, point them to Jesus. Marital problems? The answer is Jesus. Need a job? Jesus. Let us keep our focus it is about Jesus, not us. Who really cares what was done through “your ministry.” If you do care you are in ministry for the wrong reason. Jesus did not get a lot of “atta boys” and pats on the back during His ministry. He did not have a pot to pee in never mind a fancy house, 401K, or a stock portfolio. He ended up being crucified. If we really follow Him guess where we are going? To the cross not the “I am such a great Christian club.” Is not your ministry supposed to be about Jesus? I cannot believe all of the people that tag on the word “ministry” after their name. How vain and presumptive. We are so full of ourselves we probably make the almighty want to puke! How arrogant and pompous we are, “oh look what God has done through me,” it makes me sick. Friends (if I have any left) it is about Jesus. Let us keep it that way. Written by Karen Stahl.